Leeds sack Blackwell

Leeds manager Kevin Blackwell has been sacked by the Elland Road board of directors after three-and-a-half years at the club.

Blackwell, who succeeded Eddie Gray as manager in June 2004 after spending 12 months as coach, had come under increasing pressure from frustrated fans in recent weeks.

The Yorkshire club's 1-0 reverse at Coventry over the weekend was their third successive defeat in the Coca-Cola Championship and saw them slump to their lowest ever league position - second from bottom.

A club statement read: "The board of Leeds United have terminated the contract of manager Kevin Blackwell.

"The club would like to place on record their thanks to Kevin for the work he has put in over the past three and a half years, the past two and a half of which were as manager.

"No further comment will be made at this time."

Blackwell, former coach to Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock, chose not to comment on the board's decision.

Leeds fans first called for Blackwell's head after the recent home defeat to Wolves and speculation as to his future intensified following subsequent losses to Sunderland and Coventry.

But the timing of his departure will still come as a surprise to many, who felt the pressure had eased slightly on the 47-year-old following Tuesday night's 3-1 Carling Cup win over Barnet.

Leeds chairman Ken Bates has remained silent since the pressure first mounted on Blackwell this season, but has moved quickly in a bid to halt the slide.